Brits 2015: Pharrell Williams only non-white winner as music awards follow Oscars 'white wash'

Pharrell Williams might be “Happy” to have taken the international solo artist at the Brits 2015 but he is also the only non-white artist to win an award this year.

Just two days after the Oscars “white wash” (all 20 of the acting category nominees were white) it seems the British industry music awards are unable to quell criticism that the music industry is dominated by the white middle classes.

Sam Smith and Ed Sheeran both took home a brace of awards at the music industry’s annual showcase at the 02.

Astute collaborations with urban music producers like Pharrell Williams have given Sheeran, 24, a run of hit singles which enjoy millions of weekly streams on Spotify without cannibalising his paid-for sales.

Smith, the Grammy-winning soul singer who took the Brits Critics’ Choice winner a year ago, confirmed his stunning rise, winning the Breakthrough prize and a special Global Success award given to the British act with the greatest international sales.

His debut album, In The Lonely Hour, has sold 5 million copies worldwide and his hit single Stay With Me has racked up a similar number of download sales. Curiously, the London-singer, 22, was awarded greater honours at the US Grammys, where he took four prizes including Song of the Year.

Smith’s mother helped launch his career with the pay-out she received after losing her City trader job. Mark Ronson, the DJ from a privileged background who songs expertly mix black music traditions, won Best Single for his Uptown Funk collaboration with Bruno Mars.

Paloma Faith, the Hackney singer, whose range extends from showtunes to jazz and funk, enjoyed a significant breakthrough by taking the British Female prize. Faith, 33, released her debut single in 2009 and has enjoyed a steady rise to prominence through her highly theatrical stage performances.

Among a generation of winners who avoid any expression of political controversy, Faith, who performed at the show, broadcast live on ITV, describes herself as a “vehement socialist. I put that down to having a strong moral code.”

The declaration at last year’s Brits by Arctic Monkeys frontman Alex Turner that “rock 'n' roll will never die” was given credence by the surprise Best Group win for Royal Blood. Drummer Ben Thatcher and bassist/singer Mike Kerr only began performing as a duo in 2013.

The Brighton band’s self-titled debut topped the charts and their combination of thunderous Led Zeppelin-style riffs and smart songwriting has seen them rise up the bill at Summer festivals. Foo Fighters took Best International Group for the third time.

The British performers, who included the over-looked singer-songwriter George Ezra, were somewhat overshadowed by the stardust provided by a trio of American imports; A late addition to the bill, Kanye West, notorious for interrupting other people’s award ceremony speeches, unveiled a track from his new album and Taylor Swift celebrated her Best International Female win, entertained the industry guests.

The most noteworthy event of the awards was Madonna, who while making her first performance at the Brits for 20 years, was pulled spectacularly down the stairs after a cape she was wearing failed to detach from her clothing.

The show was presented by Ant and Dec, chosen to allow more potential for off-the-script spontaneity, after comedy-actor James Corden completed four years fronting an event which has been criticised for lacking excitement.